When Michael Dawson visited the Broadway Motors dealership one day in 2006 to purchase a vehicle, he never dreamed his future would be forever changed. After meeting and forming an instant connection with then-owner DeWayne Kennedy, Dawson was offered a job at the dealership detailing the incoming vehicles and preparing them for purchase.
The next few years saw growth, not only for the dealership, but also Dawson’s career and family. After years of managing the dealership, meeting and marrying his wife, Chelsea, and welcoming son Kaden to the family, Michael purchased Broadway Motors from Kennedy in 2015. “I was coming up on ten years with the dealership, wanted to provide more for my new family and felt ready to be an owner”, says Dawson. “I made him (Kennedy) an offer for the business which he accepted the following day.”
Since the transition of ownership, Dawson and crew have seen an increase, not only in the quality of vehicles they sell, but also in quantity. He purchased additional land next to his dealership on Broadway Street in Van Buren to extend his lot of available vehicles. Broadway Motors just finished a year stint with a second visible location on Fayetteville Road. Dawson noted that they have since decided to close that second location after trying to operate both by himself. “After a year, we felt it would be best to keep the one location on Broadway Street and invest all we have into making it the best we possibly can”, adds Dawson. More recently, Dawson also purchased Auto Pro Detailing at 713 Broadway to bring his inventory detailing needs in-house and provide ongoing services to customers and the community.
Dawson doesn’t think of himself as a salesman, but first as a business owner. He strives to provide a “real experience” for his customers by building great relationships, offering quality vehicles, and making sure customer service doesn’t end when they leave the lot. Van Buren resident Nathan Riggs said of his recent purchase, “Michael treated us like family. He helped us find the perfect vehicle and my wife left feeling comfortable and confident in our purchase.” Financing is also done in-house with a quick process considerate of customer’s time.
Broadway Motors is a name you’ll see around the community. Sponsoring t-ball teams and helping booster clubs are two ways Dawson stays active around Van Buren. He fully believes firsthand how keeping purchases local helps the community in multiple ways.  The connectivity within the community is one of the reasons Dawson chose to join the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce. “It was actually Cindy Williams with Time Striping, Inc. who suggested we join the chamber,” says Dawson. “She explained the details of how chamber membership not only helps our business but also builds up the other businesses in our area.”
It’s in these thoughts and tireless dedication that Broadway Motors continues to see success. Nearly every year they receive the Quality Dealer Award from Auto Services Company, Inc. and as a small dealership have also been in the Top 5 for “Best of the Best” the last three years, sponsored by Times Record Best of the River Valley Awards. This year they are in the Top 3 for Small Dealerships and Dawson is also in the Top 5 for Best Salesman. Michael and Chelsea will attend the gala on October 5^th to see if Broadway Motors will be the recipient of a “Best of the Best” award, though his customers would tell you they believe there is no contest.
Broadway Motors is located at 809 Broadway Street in Van Buren. They are open Monday-Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. and Saturday, 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. You can see their revolving inventory online at www.broadwaymotorsar.com and on Facebook. Dawson can be reached by phone at 479-410-2080.